Falkirk news from Thursday, September 11

There were still some members missing from our meeting on Tuesday afternoon, but the numbers were up on the last two or three meetings. We were pleased with this as the club had a return visit from the very popular group, “Played Oot”, four very talented musicians who never fail to have members up dancing and foot tapping. The selection of tunes played and sang were of the era the majority of members remember and brought back many happy memories. Our thanks go to them for sharing their time and talent with us. The club functions under the umbrella of the Falkirk Football Club Working in the Community programme and open to anyone within the Falkirk area who is registered blind or visually impaired. You, or anyone you know with these problems, is invited to come along and join us. We meet every Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m. in the warm up area of Falkirk Stadium. There are 50 new friends waiting to welcome you.

Classic Music Live!

Falkirk born Euan Stevenson makes a welcome return to Falkirk town Hall tomorrow (Friday) at 7.30 p.m. The occasion is the opening concert of the winter season of concerts promoted by Classic Music Live! Falkirk. On this occasion Euan is joined by three friends who with him on piano make up the Euan Stevenson Jazz Quartet. Euan has become one of the hottest properties in Scotland’s jazz world and his friends are no less accomplished - Konrad Wisniewsky on saxes, Andrew Sharkey on double bass and Alyn Cosker on drums and percussion. Tickets (£11 and students £3) are available at the door on the night or in advance at the Steeple Box Office (01324 506850).

Organ Recitals

The popular monthly lunchtime organ recitals in the ‘Faw Kirk’ continue tomorrow at 12 noon. Bob Tait is the organist on this occasion and his recital is intriguingly entitled “Something Old, Something New and Something Blue!” It lasts 30 minutes and admission is free, but donations towards the church Renovation Fund are always welcome. As always the M’eating Place Café adjoining the church is available for a “meal deal” for patrons.

Creche Matters

The annual general meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 23 at 7 p.m. in the Creche Matters premises in Stewart Road. Doors open at 6.30 p.m.

The chairman introduced Alex Smith MBE, technical director of Falkirk Football Club. Alex has had a long and distinguished career in football management, starting with Stenhousemuir in 1968. Clubs managed by him won the Scottish Cup twice and the League Cup, and in 1991 Aberdeen almost won the league, losing against Rangers on the last game of the season. Another management success was the creation of the first youth academy in 1993 while managing Clyde. The academy approach has become recognised in professional football as a key factor in developing the skills, techniques, and character of promising young players and making the most of their potential. When Alex joined Falkirk in 2009 an academy was in existence and he is very proud of the fact that it has resulted in many talented teenagers playing consistently in the first team. He pointed out that the two big teams in Scotland run excellent academies, but the pressure of always winning their games results in the clubs buying mature players and giving little opportunities for their youths to play in the first team. The Falkirk academy has been extended to include youngsters selected by the other local professional clubs. As a result more young players can be part of a professional training and development programme, increasing the possibility of them being retained by one of the local clubs and achieving a professional career in football. He pointed out that the financial rewards for a successful young player are now very high, but this has brought resulting benefits to Falkirk club. Five years ago the financial position of the club was in a very poor state and it was close to administration. The development and subsequent sale of promising young players to the lower leagues in England has transformed the finances. It is recognised this is now an essential component for a financially stable club and proved the benefit of the academy system. Murray McIntyre thanked Alex for his excellent talk on how the world of football is changing. The next talk will be given by Tom McMorrow of Grangemouth ATC Squadron.

Falkirk Aglow

Guest speaker last month was Jean Black. She spoke of a call to life and shared stories and prayer events from the Commonwealth Games. She shared from Romans ch 12 v 1 to let God’s love flow through us to touch others. Abigail Duncan will be the speaker on Thursday, September 18 at the Hotel Cladhan, 7 for 7.15 p.m. The cost is £7.50 which includes a meal. Please contact Ruth on (01324) 485744 to book a meal. All women welcome.

Coffee Morning

Falkirk Baptist Church hosts a MacMillan Coffee Morning on Saturday, September 20 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. As well as teas and coffee, there will be various stalls. Please come along and support this good cause.

August began well with Mandy Campbell and Michelle McKearnon speaking to us about The Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce. It provides all sorts of assistance to businesses of all sizes throughout the Forth Valley Area. Suzanne Niven, daughter of member Andrew, followed on August 14 to enlighten us about child advocacy. Suzanne’s confident and educated delivery left the members in no doubt about the importance of giving children their voice within the social structures that exist within our communities. On August 21 District Governor Alastair Marquis ably infected us all with the enthusiasm that is his hallmark. This annual visit, (which to be honest can often be humdrum) was marked by the obvious passion and energy that Alastair exudes when talking about Rotary. His call to “lighten up Rotary” was well received by a more than usually appreciative audience. Our last speaker of the month was Gillies Sinclair. Gillies joined the club in 1983 and has been a valued member ever since. This latest talk was the third in a series recounting his life since 1926 when he was a bairn in Bainsford. In this episode Doctor Sinclair spoke warmly and compassionately about the period of his life after leaving military service. He recalled many of his experiences as a GP in Camelon, as Police Surgeon and as a Consultant in the years after the war. I quote one member of the club who echoed my own views when he said that it was the most sincere, moving and stimulating address he had heard at the club.

Trinity Church

Sunday’s service will be led by Robert Allan and Kay Brown and will commence at 11 a.m. Tea, coffee and fellowship are available in the main hall following the service to which all are welcome. The lunchtime organ recital tomorrow (Friday) will be given by our own Robert Tait, organist and choir master of Falkirk Trinity Church. A lunch deal costing £6 is available following the 30 minute recital. As part of the ‘Doors Open’ days, Trinity Church will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday September 21 and 22 between 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. on Saturday and 1.30 and 4.30 p.m. on Sunday. We look forward to welcoming you to our historic church building over that weekend.

Country Dancing

The RSCDS Falkirk branch enrolment dance is on Wednesday in Polmont Church Hall, 7.45 - 9.45 p.m. This is for the registration of existing dancers and there is no charge. For details of regular classes in Falkirk district starting in late September for beginners and experienced dancers, and Ceilidh dancing, please contact Alison on (01324) 631363 or visit our website web.rscds-falkirk

Wildlife Trust

The Scottish Wildlife Trust meeting will be held on Tuesday in the Christian Centre, Glebe Street, at 7.30 p.m. Our guest Sseakers are Eddie Palmer and Ellie Stirling and their subject ‘Scottish Badgers’. All Welcome.

Olivet Evangelical

Sunday services begin at 10 a.m. with Communion followed at 11 a.m. with refreshments. The All Age service starts at 11.25 a.m. when the guest speaker is Ian Mundie from Falkirk. The church prayer meeting is at 6 p.m. and at 6.30 p.m. is the Bible teaching hour when the guest speaker is Michael Brautigam of Edinburgh. Please note that there will be no Fellowship Lunch in September. The Ladies Hour at Leishman Tower starts on Monday at 2.15 p.m. when the guest speaker is Phylis Wilson. On Tuesday evening at 7.30 p.m. is the fourth of the Bible studies on the OT Book of Genesis, entitled ‘Cain and Abel.’ The monthly craft evenings start on Thursday at 7 p.m. Advanced notices: The ‘Young at Heart’ begin their new session on Wednesday, September 24 at 2 p.m. when the guest speaker is Dr George Mitchell; the first of the Men’s Events is on Friday, September 26 at 7.30 p.m. when the guest is Harvey Stalker speaking on the ‘The man with the Mic’’ the Mother and Toddlers Group resumes on Friday, September 26 at 10 a.m.

Evangelical Forum

The August meeting of Falkirk Evangelical Leaders Forum took place in Falkirk Baptist Church on Thursday, August 28 and attended by eight church leaders. The brief business items discussed were: Agreed that the next praise and prayer event would have the same format as last year, concentrating on united prayer for revival but the date to be postponed to Thursday, October 9 and to be held in Larbert Pentecostal Church; the dates for the town centre open-air preaching events were confirmed and are to be disseminated; the venue for future Forum meetings from September will be a return to the Inchyra Hotel, Polmont. The next monthly lunch time meeting will be held at 12.30 p.m. Thursday, September 25 in the Inchyra Grange Hotel. The time together will involve fellowship and sharing during lunch followed by united prayer and a brief business session.

Philatelic Society

The first meeting of the Falkirk and District Philatelic Society of the 2014-2015 session was held in the Camelon Parish Church Hall on September 4. New President Ian Anderson welcomed all the members, but particularly Keith Robinson, returned after a period of ill-health. After the usual business, as is the long-standing practice, President Ian put on a display of his choice, which turned out to be a showing of Great Britain stamps, stamp booklets and other philatelic items which he covered and explained with his undoubted expertise. Giving the vote of thanks, Frank Soutar commented on the amount of time and research that Ian must have spent on gathering the items for his two displays. Members showed their appreciation in the usual fashion. The next meeting of the Society is on September 18, usual place and time. Why not come along and see if our Society can help you in your hobby? New Members are always made welcome. For more information, please phone Alistair on 01506 822695.

Inner Wheel

Club members wish to thank everyone for their support for the proposed new Maggies Cancer Care Centre at Forth Valley Hospital at their fundraising stall at the Charities Day in Falkirk High Street on Saturday. The draw for the ‘Lucky Day’ prizes will take place today (Thursday) and the winners will be notified.

Operatic Society

Falkirk Operatic Society is currently rehearsing for the next show Generation X which will be performed in Falkirk Town Hall on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27, curtain ip at 7.30 p.m. There is also a Matinee on the Saturday, curtain Up at 2 p.m. Tickets cost £10 and £8 for the Matinee and available from members, The Steeple Booking Office, our Website www.falkirkoperatic.com or at the Town Hall on the evening/matinee performances. Generation X has toe-tapping sing-along numbers from the American musical The Tap Dance Kid, fabulous numbers from the comedy musical Avenue Q and other musical numbers included are Goldfinger, From Russia With Love, all made famous by James Bond films, and many more. The show includes dance routines. Our Choreographer, Judy Brown is directing the show and members have worked extremely hard with all the fabulous dance movements.

Cat Register

The Cat Register & Rescue Cat photo show will take place in Greenpark Community Centre, Polmont on Saturday, September 20 from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come along and entry is free. As well as a chance to view the photos, there will be stalls, tombola, home baking and the ever popular cafe serving hot and cold snacks. The following Saturday we will also be in the Community Hub in the Howgate from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. where a selection of the photos will again be displayed. There will be volunteers on hand to answer any questions you might have about our charity and the work we do in the local area. If you have time to spare, please come along and join us. Bring the kids and bring your friends.

Step Forth

Step Forth has a programme of short weekly volunteer led walks across Falkirk. The aim of the led walk programme is to encourage people to start walking regularly in their local area. All walks are listed in this section of the Falkirk Herald. We also have walks at the beautiful Kinneil estate in Bo’ness every Monday and Thursday at 10.30 a.m. and Tuesday at 2 p.m. All leave from Kinneil museum. Bo’ness also has a Monday evening walk which leaves from the car park across from the post office at the foreshore at 7 p.m.. All Step Forth walks are free. For more information call 01324-504568/556 or email stepforth@falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Cheese and Wine

Falkirk Multiple Sclerosis Society will be holding a Cheese and Wine at its meeting on Monday, from 7 p.m. till 9 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, Bo’ness Road, Grangemouth. All new members will be made very welcome. Contact Secretary Veronica Campbell for details on 07500 338211.

New Spiritualist

The new Falkirk Spiritualist Church in Westfield Community Centre welcomes Andrew Lindsey from Falkirk on Saturday. Open Circle after the service. All welcome. The service starts at 7 p.m. and entry is £3. www.falkirkspiritualistchurch.webs.com.

Lodge Callendar No. 588

A meeting of Lodge Callendar No. 588 was held on Monday, September 1, when RWM Stuart Hunter welcomed the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire and invited Right Worshipful Provinicial Grand Master Andrew McKinnon to join him in the east. The RWM welcomed all visitors and gave them a very warm welcome to the lodge. Thereafter the RWM and his office bearers conferred an Entered Apprentice Degree on one candidate. The RWM thanked all visitors for their attendance, and the RWM of Lodge Denny 176 gave a suitable reply. The next meeting is on Monday and will be a Second Degree, which will be conferred by Lodge Moorpark 1263. The meeting will tyle at 7.30 p.m.

Braveheart Walk

A beautiful walk around Callendar Park every Monday, leaving from Callendar House at 2 p.m, will bring you back each week! You have the option of a slow 30 minute walk or a one hour walk of more brisk pace. Come along and meet our walk leaders and friendly walkers and enjoy tea and a scone in Callendar House after your walk. For more information contact (01324) 673703. If you would like to see the lovely surroundings of the Helix Park then our Middlefield walk is for you! Meet walk leaders and walkers in Falkirk Community Stadium car park at 7 p.m. every Thursday. Head along and be pleasantly surprised along the various different paths! For more information please call (01324) 673703.

Helix Walks

A walk leaves Falkirk Football Stadium every Monday at 7 p.m. and is lead by volunteer walk leaders. You will need a reasonable level of fitness for this walk as it can take up to two hours to explore the paths. Please wear suitable footwear. All walks are free.

Health Walks

Walks leave from Falkirk Football Stadium every Monday at 10 a.m., and split into a faster or slower walk. Both are lead by volunteer walk leaders. This is a great way to explore the Helix with a group and its free. For more information email stepforth@falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Buggy Walk

Every Monday at 1.15pm from the front doors of Falkirk Football Stadium. When the weather is good we sit on the great lawn and have a chat or at the plaza cafe by the lagoon. We also use the lovely restaurant at the Stadium when it’s raining. It’s a good way to meet other mums. Walk is run by our fantastic volunteers and is free. All children should be in a buggy. For more information contact stepforth@falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Writers’ Circle

At the first meeting on September 2 chairman John welcomed members and discussed the new syllabus which is inspiring and interesting at all levels, with something for all writing abilities. This is an excellent time for anyone seeking the impetus to write to join. New members or those coming along just to find out if the Writers’ Circle is what they are looking for, are always welcome. Short stories of 450 words or poems of 40 lines for potential publication in The Falkirk Herald should be with Mark as available, preferably by email. Two topics have been chosen to be read on Tuesday. Members should choose only one or a combination of the two, which are: ‘A broken wrist watch’ and ‘The light suddenly went out’. Watch this space for a report on the visit of Judy Barker on September 9. David reminds members to submit entries for the website. For further information phone secretary Isobel on (01324) 620048 or visit isobel.quinn@outlook.com or come along to the coffee room in the Greenpark Centre, Polmont on Tuesdays at 7.30 p.m.

Nordic Walking

Through this part of the Falkirk herald our walkers can find out where to meet every week and if there is anything new planned. This Tuesday the group are walking the two bridges at Kincardine. The walk leaves from the old Pine and Oak car park at 6.30 p.m. The Wednesday walk meets at Lionthorn car park at 1 p.m. The Monday walk will leave from Falkirk Stadium as usual at 10 a.m. Please check our face book page for Thursday fast walk.

Buggy Walks

A team of volunteers is needed to roll out buggy walks across Falkirk and also support existing groups. If you are interested contact Barbara McConnell on (01324) 504556 or barbara.mcconnell@falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Braveheart Monthly

Braveheart’s monthly walk on Tuesday, September 23, takes us to the countryside of Culross! Come along and join Braveheart on a picturesque walk around Preston Island, firstly meeting in the west car park, and enjoying refreshments in the café after our walk (approx 3-4 miles). Free transport is provided on the day - pick up at 1 p.m. from Camelon Education Centre, and 1.05 p.m. from Carron Co-op to start our walk at 1.30 p.m. The bus will be returning to Falkirk for 4.30-4.45 p.m. Booking is essential. Please call (01324) 673703 or 07795283508 to book a seat. We look forward to seeing everyone on the day...happy walking!

Archaeology Club

Callendar House Young Archaeology Club (YAC) resumes its monthly meetings on Saturday between 2 and 4 p.m. in Callendar House. There are a few vacancies available to join the club. If you are between eight and 16 and wish further information please contact the YAC leader on (01324) 622071 or 07746 669824.

ME Group

The next meeting of Falkirk ME Self-Help group takes place tonight (Thursday) from 6.30-8.30 p.m. in St Francis Xavier RC Church hall (St Martha’s hall), Hope Street. The hall has its own car park and there are no stairs. At this month’s meeting, the guest speaker is Ian Sneddon from Inclusion Scotland who will talk about Welfare Reform, not the most exciting subject but one that is having an impact on a lot of people. The RightsNow project is a project that has been funded for a year to help prepare people for Welfare Reform by giving free training, talks and a free telephone service. Examples of the type of training that can be offered are sanctions, mandatory reconsideration, personal independence payment and universal credit. New members welcome. Further details from Richard on (01324) 871480.